Buffalo mozzarella producers threaten production halt

(ANSA) - Naples, March 26 - Producers of buffalo mozzarella
under the Protected Denomination of Origin (DOP) appellation on
Tuesday threatened to halt activities as of July 1 in protest
over new rules governing production.

Specifically members of the consortium for the protection
of buffalo mozzarella DOP are unhappy about the requirement to
create separate premises for the production of DOP mozzarella
using buffalo milk and for other cheeses made using ordinary
cow's milk.

Producers are obliged to make the change by July 1.

In a letter addressed to the agriculture ministry and other
interested parties consortium members explain that significant
investments would be needed in order to continue operating
''within the rules''.

Farmers' assciations have instead spoken out in support of
the change.